POPULAR SHAPES OF RINGS

It's no secret that the cut of the primary stone makes all the difference when it comes to picking the perfect engagement ring. Each shines in its own unique manner, and determining which one appeals to you is a good place to start. Consider what is important to you in everyday jewelry. Do you like a more contemporary appearance, or do you frequent consignment stores in search of your next great vintage find? Do you want to make your fingers appear longer, or do you want a large-looking rock? All of these elements are affected by the stone cut, and luckily for you, we're here to explain them.

ROUND CUT

Round-cut diamonds are popular among brides all over the world. It's no wonder that this is the most popular stone, given that its form enhances the fire of the diamond at the correct reflection of light (we're all guilty of falling for a good sparkle). Round, brilliant-cut diamonds look great in solitaires, two- and three-stone settings, and even geometric designs for a more classic vibe.

PRINCESS CUT

On her wedding day, what bride doesn't want to feel like a princess? Another popular engagement ring type is the eponymous princess cut. The princess cut's adaptable face-up shape—complete with square or rectangle sides—makes it an excellent choice for almost any ring style. They have a more modern and geometrical appearance while still displaying a lot of brilliance, and they are often far less expensive than the more common round-cut diamonds. Choose a protective setting, though, because princess-cut diamonds are prone to chipping at the corners or dropping out.

EMERALD CUT

The emerald cut diamond is popular for its Art Deco look, as it has a rectangular step cut, an open table, and cropped corners. While it has a more subtle sparkle—what some call a "hall of mirrors" effect—its lengthy silhouette and geometric lines capture the diamond's brilliance while catching the light powerfully. When arranged vertically, their design makes fingers appear longer and slimmer, ideal for engagement ring selfies.

MARQUISE CUT

The marquise cut, also known as the Navette cut, is recognized for its regal appearance. Its characteristic profile is defined by curved sides and pointy ends—think of it as an attractive football shape. When positioned vertically, its long, narrow design not only offers the illusion of greater size but also elongates the finger. It also has a wonderful shimmer to it. However, due of its delicate sharp edges, the ring is prone to chipping and breaking if not properly fitted. It also has what is known as a "bowtie" look across the middle of the diamond. If the ring is not correctly cut, it can be highly obvious and is typically unappealing.

TRILLION CUT

Trillion-cut diamonds, which originated in the Netherlands, are a popular choice for unconventional brides looking for a one-of-a-kind ring. They have a triangular shape with rounded or pointed edges and a shallow cut that gives them the appearance of being larger than they are. Trillion-cut stones work well as accents or as the main stone in a three-stone ring, but they also work well as solitaires. Most trillion-cut diamonds require a bezel or three-prong setting to avoid chipping due to their sharp edges.

Bottom line

The round brilliant diamond cut is the most popular for engagement rings. Round brilliant-cut diamonds are the classic sparklers due to their exceptional light performance and universal shape, which works in an infinite number of setting types.